Alumni Retreat Provides Weekend of Birding, Fellowship, and Worship at Albion Field Station

The Birding Bonanza and Alumni Retreat welcomed bird enthusiasts and Pacific Union College alumni to the Albion Field Station from August 22-25 for a weekend of worship and activities focused on coastal birds, biology, and the beauty of God's natural world.

Attendees were given a flexible schedule of activities for the weekend, including a pelagic bird tour, multiple worships and meals together, a birding presentation, an excursion along the coast to spot bird species, a natural history hike, area outings, and much more.

PUC President Ralph Trecartin said the weekend was filled with fun, camaraderie and adventure. “I loved adding some new species to my life list and catching up with old friends, both human and avian,” he said. “All this in a beautiful setting with people that love the Lord and the opportunity to worship Him together.”

DeAnna Cordis, director of alumni relations and stewardship, explained the weekend was a combined effort between the School of Sciences, Alumni Department, Dr. Trecartin, Marketing and Communication, and Albion. She said the weekend was a success and credited Trecartin for the idea of having birding as the retreat's emphasis.

"It went well!" Cordis said. "Dr. Trecartin gave our opening night worship, Biology Professor Floyd Hayes gave a presentation on his research project: The Grebes of Clear Lake. Pastor Vince Saunders led our song and worship services. Dean Aimee Wyrick led a nature hike and scavenger hunt and presented the history of Albion. And Albion Field Station Director Sheldon Schultz gave a presentation about some memorable encounters with birds."

Hayes, also an avid ornithologist, enjoyed the opportunity to mingle with fellow birders and PUC alumni. "There was a strong consensus among the birders that we should continue hosting a birding weekend in the future,” he said.

A favorite of several attendees was the pelagic tour out of Fort Bragg, a four-hour boat excursion that took attendees to what marine biologists call the pelagic zone. Hayes explained that the pelagic zone includes the ocean surface at the edge of the continental shelf, where currents bring nutrients to the surface and attract seabirds. In addition to many birds like Buller's Shearwaters, Cassin's Auklets, and Black-footed Albatrosses, attendees saw seals, sea lions, Fin Whales, and jellyfish.

Cordis hopes to continue spreading the word and growing the retreat in the future.

"The event is open to all PUC Alumni and others—even if people aren't birders, they can learn a lot," Cordis said. "It's a casual weekend in a beautiful place, with great food, great company, and a nice opportunity to get to know people and share an experience with PUC alums and others who love Albion."